Author:
ROBIN ROBERTS
Businesses which want to prevent manslaughter actions against company directors should look at a new piece of telephony which has just been introduced.
Leeds-based company G2M Technologies has launched a new system aimed at reducing road deaths caused by company car drivers using their phones while at the wheel.
The product, called Bizprotect, makes it impossible for company car drivers to use their mobile phones.
The product helps SME businesses make sure that no phone calls are made – unless your company allows drivers to use a hands-free kit – no texting, no emailing or use of social media to distract while driving.
Bizprotect is unique as it uses a patent pending system to differentiate between the drivers and passengers, says G2M, thereby allowing passengers to use their phones whilst ensuring the driver can’t, even if they swap between vehicles.
Aimed primarily at commercial fleets, although a consumer version will shortly be available, it has a centrally monitored system that allows an administrator to configure the system remotely and be notified if anyone should try to tamper with it. It requires no vehicle hardware or installation.
Andrew Tillman, Founder of G2M Technologies said: “Distracted driving is an enormous problem. The cost to UK businesses from accidents caused by distracted driving is growing exponentially together with the devastating human cost. Many responsible companies already have no-phone-when-driving policies but until now they really have no way of policing or enforcing them.”
Under the Corporate Manslaughter act, directors of businesses can be held liable for the actions of their company car drivers – and those drivers doing business mileage in their own private car – so this protects them from a duty of care perspective as well as the protecting the public from the risk of distracted drivers.
Business car insurance may be invalidated if a company car driver is phoning or texting and our guide to company car law helps you understand your responsibilities.
